It's been a wild game in Indianapolis on Saturday evening in Week 15. After the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped out to a 13-0 lead, the Colts quickly fought back in the second quarter. As this was happening, fans of both teams held their breath after a scary sequence of plays.
Colts running back Zack Moss had already left the game with an injury when there was a collision that had players on one knee. Steelers safety Damontae Kazee missiled in and cracked wide receiver Michael Pitman Jr. The hit could be heard from the broadcast view at home and initially fear was a kneck injury. Kazee was ejected from the game.
Just plays later, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a significant scare of their own. Gardener Minshew attempted a deep post across the middle of the field that was well-defended by Minkah Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, it looked like Patrick Peterson collided with Fitzpatrick as they went to the ground. Minkah lay in agony, gripping his knee.
The good news is that Fitzpatrick was eventually able to make his way off the field under his own power. While we don't know the extent of the injury at this point in time, fans are praying that this isn't a serious knee injury for the former three-time First-Team All-Pro safety.
contestMinkah's 2023 season has been mostly void of splash plays, and he had not recorded a single interception entering this Week 15 contest against the Colts. However, circumstances haven't exactly been on his side this year.
Prior to this game, Minkah had already missed a four-week span with a hamstring injury and he recently broke his hand. This is just the latest injury that is sure to slow him. If the Steelers find a way to stay alive in the playoff picture, they are going to need their best defensive back healthy.
Steelers director of communications, Burt Lauten, said that Fitzpatrick is questionable to return with a knee injury. If he doesn't return to the field against the Colts, let's hope Pittsburgh can weather the storm without him.
Update: Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled OUT for the remainder of the game, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.